Van Duijvenbode claims first tv win over Price and books his spot in the Masters quarter-finals

Dirk van Duijvenbode has prevailed from a tense encounter with Gerwyn Price to book his spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023 PDC Masters in Milton Keynes.

Price, who went into this one having spent the last few days bedridden to an illness, was immediately put under pressure by van Duijvenbode who took the opening leg with a sensational 120 finish on double top. A break of throw sealed on double 4 saw the Dutchman increase his lead to two only for Price to immediately break back and get his first leg on the board. With both the remaining legs of the session going with the throw it was van Duijvenbode who entered the first break with a narrow 3-2 lead.

Missed darts at double from Price in the first leg back would allow van Duijvenbode to break throw and stretch his lead to 4-2. This time consolidating the break with a hold, the Dutchman would move three legs clear. With an under par Price clearly looking for a spark, the former World Champ reeled in the big fish, taking out 170 to get a key break back before a clinical 116 levelled the match up at 5-5.

Price came close to a third straight ton plus out, wiring double top for a 132, nevertheless, the Iceman would return and take the lead for the first time in the match at 6-5. Price was unable to capitalise, however, and a few minutes later it was van Duijvenbode who had nudged in front at 7-6. Double 16 would see the Titan win his third straight leg, moving just two away from victory.

Van Duijvendode who had lost all five previous tv meetings with Price, moved just a leg away from the win thanks to a last dart in hand double 5. After Price nailed the same double to get back to 9-7, an edgy van Duijvenbode would see five match darts come and go. Price would mop up on double 9 and pull another leg back at 9-8. The Dutchman would not be denied however, taking out 84 in two darts to claim the 10-8 victory and seal his spot in the quarter-finals.